Step 6: Compile the Video!

Step 7: Enjoy!

Here are a couple finished videos I've made using this method. It would also be nice if anyone who knows how to program later model calculators (Ti-8...

I've always wanted to make time lapse videos, but I don't have a camera with an intervalometer feature built in. In fact, I don't think very many cameras come with such a feature (especially not SLR cameras).

So what do you want to do if you want to make time-lapse videos? You can buy a commercial intervalometer (yeah, right). You can check out some instructables like this one and make one yourself out of electronic components.

But what if you don't have the time/skills necessary to build one? You just want something quick and cheap.

Well, you can actually use a common TI graphing calculator (I don't know of any high school student without one of these) and hook it up to any camera with a remote shutter release socket. It's quite easy, and depending on your camera can require no electronic work at all.

Step 1: Parts Needed

Here's a list of parts you need:

A TI graphing calculator - I'm using the TI-83+. I haven't tested my code on any other model, so I can't guarantee it will work.

Camera with remote shutter release socket - I'm using the Canon EOS Rebel. This has a 2.5mm socket that you can use to connect to the calculator. If your camera does not have a 2.5mm shutter release socket, you will need to create some sort of link cable that can connect the two together.

Link Cable - If your camera has a 2.5mm socket, you can use the link cable that should come with your calculator.

Hi jkotrob, I'm following your code to program my 84+, however, I'm stuck at the startTmr->T line. where do your get the startTmr from? I think it is one your program that you recycled. Could you guide us in this matter, thanks for your help and time.

Has anyone had any luck getting this work with a Nikon camera. I have a Nikon D3200 and I use a 2.5mm to 3.5mm adapter to connect the calculator with my camera, but nothing happens when I run the program. My calculator is TI-84 Plus.

Hi! I wrote the code straight to my TI 83+. but when I make a try with the canon 1000D, the only result I have is the canon's screen blinking (coherent with the delay I put in the program). But I don't have any noise and any pics saved on my apparel. Maybe some one could help me?

Does not work for Nikon D3100. I have all the pieces but in order for it to work I need to splice two cords together. The calculator cord and the shutter remote cord. So close though. The audio jack port on this camera is for a/v output.

I used this method just a back in 2009 to make a time-lapse plane construction video over a weekend. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjARFrVcRKM&feature=plcp&context=C39b2812UDOEgsToPDskLvuiKUi0c_6WJh8JoTfJs0

I'm about to use it again for a new plane. Helps a lot with illustrating construction techniques for new students.

The For() statement sets up a loop. The "H" in this case is the variable the For() statement uses to store the number of passes the loop has made. The next variable designates the number to start with. The "A" is the number of loop that have to be made before the program moves on again. The last variable is how much the counter progresses after each loop. So H is set and zeroed out each time the For() statement starts. Check your manual for more details about the For() statement.

After playing some with the program setup you gave .. i liked it but i didn't like the fact that i had no choices.. So i made my own. If you are interested give it a try.. ( the % are supposed to be arrows.. the STO key above on/off)

............................................................................... As you can see from what "solupine" showed.. you need to multiply your delay (seconds) by approx. 333.3333 to get the camera to fire at the right time...

The first delay , is how long till it takes the first shot. The second delay, is how often between shots

This was done on a TI-83+ , if you try it on other models post it up if it works or not please..

You sir, are a genius! OP's program didn't work but yours worked flawlessly (so far). Thanks to instructables, I've built an intervalometer and a shutter release for less than $20! (Calculator doesn't count :P)

Enter the program how it is writen above with the % replaced with the STO key (above on/off) and run it .. the Disp lines are just text outputs so you know what to input .. for the how many shots one for example the Disp"HOW MANY SHOTS" is the text question for the line below .. Prompt Y ..

to understand it the best i suggest putting it in as i have it above and running it .. it will explain itself..

The program seems to run fine. No hickups or syntax errors, however, my camera refuses to fire the shutter. I have checked and re-checked the code for any flaws, but have yet to find anything. Any suggestions on what might be causing this problem?

The program WILL fire the shutter. As it turns out, the shutter button needs to be pressed halfway down to allow the camera to meter. Is there a fix for this? As in, a way to program the calculator to automatically meter prior to taking the shot?

I have written a few programs for my TI-84+ Silver Edition. Most of the programming is the same for the TI-82, TI-83, TI-84. I haven't done anything other than write simple conversion programs. If anyone can find me a link or something to more advanced programming for the TI-80 series I will be eternally grateful. If you want a few programs I made, message me.

I also used silentfallen's program below. Very nice! I did notice that the timing seemed to be a bit off, so I ran the program at various times in front of a stopwatch. I put the numbers in Excel and got the slope of the linear trendline that tightened up the timing tremendously. Here's the scale factors you should use for the TI-84 Plus (not sure about others): [note: "%" should be replaced by pressing the "STO>" button.] A*750.64 % W B*750.64-704.12 % X So here's what the whole program will look like: ................................................................................. Disp "START DELAY IN" Disp" SECONDS" Prompt A A*750.64 % W Disp "HOW OFTEN IN" Disp "SECONDS" Prompt B B*750.64-704.12 % X Disp "HOW MANY SHOTS" Prompt Y For(H,1,W,1) End Send(A) Y-1 % Y While Y>0 Y-1%Y For(H,1,X,1) End Send(A) End ............................................................................... hit "QUIT" to save and exit programming